[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 61 (Friday, April 30, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S4507]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       EFFORTS TO RESEARCH S.A.D.

 Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
seventh and eighth graders from Dzantik'i Henni Middle School. They are 
doing important work by educating the public on something that affects 
much of Alaska in the winter: Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. This 
disorder causes severe depression during the winter months in Alaska 
when there can be up to 24 hours of darkness in some places.
  About one in three Alaskans suffer from mild to severe Seasonal 
Affective Disorder. Researchers suggest SAD may play a role in a 
variety of Alaska's social and medical problems, ranging from spousal 
abuse to alcoholism.
  These incredible students, led by teacher Robert Traul Jones, 
developed a community health project to combat SAD. The project had two 
major goals. The first was to educate people about depression and its 
impact on northern communities and their residents. The second goal was 
to provide affordable treatment for this condition. The students did 
this by designing, marketing and building high-intensity light boxes, 
which they distributed to the surrounding communities. The light boxes 
combat the daily darkness outside with light therapy.
  Their efforts were extraordinarily successful. The students projected 
10 units being sold and ended up selling 39 units. The students are 
currently working with the Juneau Economic Development Commission to 
transfer their business to a local nonprofit organization.
  Mr. President, it is with great pride that I recognize the 
achievements of these students. Their hard work and dedication is an 
inspiration to us all. These are the future leaders of our country and 
our single greatest resource. The seventh and eighth grade students 
from Dzantik'I Heeni Middle School should be proud of their 
achievements in combating SAD.

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